Features
Do chiefs have the right to gag the media ?
The Chieftaincy institution, is one of the most revered, respected and enduring traditional institutions in our dear country, Ghana, which is held in high esteem. The 1992 Constitution as amended in 1996 of the Chieftaincy Act 277, defines the functions of Chiefs as traditional leaders in dispute settlement, codification of customary laws, arrangement of ceremonies and festivals, organisation of communal labour and promotion of socio-economic development. Chiefs have been involved in the development of their areas since pre-colonial era. They are therefore, regarded as partners in development.
PEACE KEEPING ROLE OF CHIEFS
These days, Chiefs are under pressure to achieve good governance in their respective traditional areas and are challenged to integrate tradition and modernity, a process about which there is a considerable debate. Therefore, the role of the Chieftaincy institution in national development as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, is basically peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peacemaking and peace building. It therefore, presupposes that peace is general in the pre-colonial era, was manifested in the functions of the Chieftaincy institution in general and the Chief in particular.
It is unfortunate that in the recent past, the most revered and cherished Chieftaincy institution in our dear country, has taken a nose-dive with persistent conflicts and misunderstandings which is gradually tearing the institution apart. The Chieftaincy institution, which is supposed to collaborate and team up with journalists and the mass media in general, to promote and ensure peace and developments in the various traditional areas of the country,is rather having a grudge and conflicts with media practitioners in their line of duties. Some of the Chiefs are exerting what can be described as unnecessary, unfettered and unrestrained powers which have no legal basis whatsoever and alsounconstitutional rights on journalists and some media houses in their jurisdictions.
BARRING MEDIA PRACTITIONERS FROM OPERATING
The traditional leaders have arrogated to themselves, certain powers of barring media practitioners from operating in their jurisdictions, whilst some radio stations are being shut down for allegedly, airing what chiefs termed, negative issues that are infringing on their rights and soiling their image and reputation in the eyes of the general public. These actions by some of these chiefs, cannot be defended or substantiated in any way, since they are nowhere within the confines of the 1992 Constitution as well as the country’s statute books.
Recently, the Ada Traditional Council in the Greater Accra Region, was reported to have banned Radio Ada, operating within its vicinity from providing coverage of the annual Asafotufiami Festival of the chiefs and people of the area. The Council, we are told, took the decision because it alleged that three hosts of the station’s programmes, whilst on air, used unrefined language on Chiefs in the area. The hosts were also cited for mentioning the names of Nenemei (Kingmakers), without using their respective titles and also inciting the people to hoot at the chiefs and called them names during a recent demonstration. The Council had earlier on,on August 1, 2022, banned the station from covering the launch of the festival held at Treasure Island at Ada on June 30, 2022.
REACTION BY GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION
The leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by its President, Albert KwabenaDwumfour, took the matter up, describing the action as unjustifiable and an affront to press freedom in Ghana. According to the GJA, the Council’s decision undermined Article 21 (1)(a) and (f) of the 1192 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Hear the GJA President, “With all due respect, the Ada Traditional Council does not have the right or powers to impose such restrictions on Radio Ada and its staff”. He asked the traditional leaders to use the laid down channels for redress instead of the path they had chosen.
Just as the dust was about to settle, another similar thorny issue has emerged, this time involving the Kumasi Traditional Council, directing Oyerepa FM station in Kumasi, to halt its operations. The order was based on some comments purported to have been made by AkwasiAddaiOdike, a former presidential candidate on the network. The comments made by Odike, a guest on a political talk show on Oyerepa FM, was an implication and an accusation of the chiefs for failing to combat illegal mining.
UNFAVOURABLE REMARKS FROM ODIKE
In his submission, Odike was alleged to have accused the Chiefs of aiding in thegalamsey operation and looking on unconcerned while forests and water bodies were being destroyed. He, therefore, threatened to lead the youth to stage a massive demonstration against Manhyia, if the galamsey menace continues.
The Kumasi Traditional Council which was offended by the remarks, declared it to be a form of rebellion against Asanteman, hence, Odike was banished from stepping foot at Manhyia. Additionally, the Council asked Oyerepa FM to halt operations, for giving Odike the platform to make those remarks.
REACTION FROM DIRECTOR OF MEDIA FOUNDATION
The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), SulemanaBraimah, reacted against the shutting down of the radio station, saying the chiefs did not have the right to close down radio stations. According to him, the purported closure of the Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM station by the Kumasi Traditional Council, was not grounded in law and described it as a “worrying development”. According to him chiefs would not have the power to say “we are shutting down a radio station. I don’t know where that legal powers will be drawn from”.
Indeed, some of our traditional leaders are trying to usurp and apply powers from areas best known to themselves, without using the laid down structures and laws in the statute books to address their concerns and grievances and that is most unfortunate. Yes, you may have legitimate grievances with the media, but that is not the way to deal with the problems.
SENDING COMPLAINTS TO GJA AND MEDIA COMMISSION
The Ghana Journalists Association and the National Media Commission are legitimate bodies mandated under our Constitution to deal with such infractions by the media and apply sanctions accordingly. Therefore, what the traditional authorities ought to have done was to refer their complaints or grievances to these two accredited bodies to handle the issues and not to take the laws into their own hands and apply what is not feasible and authorised by law.
The traditional authorities should know that they cannot operate effectively without the cooperation from the media. If the media decide to place a total ban on the activities of traditional leaders in this country, by refusing to cover their events and other programmes, where would they stand? Like I said earlier, chiefs and the media, are partners in development and progress and that is why the two institutions must work in tandem to achieve this noble objective of forging ahead.
MEDIA PRACTITIONERS SHOULD BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY
While I am on this topic, it is important to advise my fellow journalists, radio presenters and other media practitioners to behave well and responsibly and also to always accord the chieftaincy institution the necessary due respect,for peace to prevail in this country. Let us also avoid what can be termed as, “Gutter Journalism” which connotes sensationalism, poorly written articles which cater for vulgar tastes, as well as stories and articles meant to malign people unduly. That is not the ethics of the profession and we must avoid those habits. The radio presenters and television anchors, must also not use their airwaves or frequencies to insult and attack people, especially Chiefs, without any justifiable reasons. Let us bear in mind that the media serve as tools for development and destruction as well. As such, we should use the power we wield to serve in the best interest of our dear country and not for any destructive purposes.
By Charles Neequaye
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When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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